The effects of age on perceptual problem-solving strategies

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Abstract
Witkin''s Embedded Figures Test (EFT) was used to measure the changes with age in field dependence and problem-solving ability. Qualitative data concerning problem-solving strategies and quantitative data were collected. EFT was administered to 12 females in each of the following decades: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70. All subjects were moderately to well educated, healthy and relatively active members of the community. All had at least 20/33 corrected or uncorrected vision. An interview was held with each participant after completion of the EFT. ANOVA [analysis of variance] of time scores indicated that significantly more time was needed to solve the items with an increase in age; a Tukey test revealed a significant increase between the 40 and 60 age groups. With an increase in age a significant decline in the number of items solved was found. Partial correlations revealed that age is the most important factor in the general intelligence, visual acuity and the personality factors measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory. The relative stability of performance up through 49 and after 50 implies a decline in field independence rather than in higher-order cognitive processes.

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